Like humans, nearly all animals will experience some form of health problem or medical emergency in their lifetime. It is up to responsible owners to ensure pets
receive appropriate first aid and vet treatment.
When giving first aid to a pet, your personal safety is paramount. Always be aware of possible fear and aggression your pet may be experiencing, as this may result
in it trying to bite you. You should use hand-made muzzles or towels to prevent this.
The ABC rule provides guidance on what to do if your pet is injured or falls ill, and it is simple to follow and easy to remember.
ABC stands for:
Airways: Is anything blocking the animal’s airway?
Breathing: Is the animal breathing clearly?
Circulation: Can you feel a pulse or the heart beating?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, contact the vet immediately.
Click on the tabs below for details on how to deal with common emergency situations.
Wounds
Poisoning
Bites
Burns
Seizures
Wounds
Most wounds require antibiotic treatment, which can be
provided by your vet. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure and
ensure the area is cleaned with saline and all dirt or debris is
removed. Apply a firm bandage and seek vet treatment if the wound
continues to bleed.
Poisoning
If your pet has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately. It is crucial that you act fast because poisoning can cause death.
Bites
Insect bites require vet treatment. Minor symptoms
include swelling, but in severe cases insect bites can result in
respiratory distress and even death. If your pet is bitten by a snake,
keep it still and contact your vet immediately. Symptoms of a snake bite
include anxiety, respiratory distress, shallow breathing and
blood in urine.
Burns
If your pet receives heat or chemical burns, flush the
area under cool running water for at least 10 minutes and seek advice
from the vet.
Seizures
Use your voice to calm your pet but do not try to stop
the seizure. Make sure the animal cannot hurt itself and seek vet advice
if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes.
By putting together a first aid kit for your pet, you will be well prepared if it is injured or falls ill and will always have emergency supplies on hand.
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